It's been over a month since my "too-early" Big Board for the 2016 NFL draft, a ranking that includes 2015 underclassmen. For this I'll go a little deeper into each position group, so you'll get an idea of more than 100 of the top NFL prospects for 2016. That said, these rankings are preliminary, as I have hundreds of hours of evaluation ahead for the 2016 class.
A couple of important notes about the rankings below:
• I've split them into seniors and underclassmen; it's important to have a baseline number of seniors because those players are certain to be a part of the 2016 NFL draft process (if they choose to be).
• I won't go too heavy into actual scouting reports, as those are still a work in progress.
With those parameters in mind, here's an early look at the top inside and outside linebacker prospects in the 2016 draft class. A reminder: Scheme dictates a lot when it comes to positional labels with these guys, so, for example, a player listed as an OLB could also become a defensive end at the next level. I'll try to point these out where I see them.
(** Denotes a player who is a redshirt sophomore)
Top 5 senior inside linebackers
1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama Crimson Tide: While he doesn't jump off the tape because of athletic ability, Ragland makes great reads and is always around the ball. He'll be challenged this year with the departure of Landon Collins, who did much of his best work near the line of scrimmage last year and was often an extra linebacker. But Ragland should be loving life behind Alabama's awesome D-tackle pairing.
2. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri Tigers: Fits best as a weakside 'backer at the next level, where he can use his pursuit and cover skills. He led the Tigers in tackles last year with 122.
3. Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn Tigers: Has a good frame and makes good reads against both the run and the pass. McKinzy is not quick-twitch explosive, but he's fast in a line and is able to have success in multiple spots on the field, including on the edge for blitz packages. Made plays in the backfield when he was able to get in gaps.
4. Antonio Morrison, Florida Gators: He led the Gators in tackles last season and has a fearless nature, which helps because he's only around 220 pounds. He struggles with taking on blocks and has to rely on instincts and quickness. Loves to attack the backfield.
5. Rodney Hardrick, Oregon Ducks: A linchpin in the middle of the Duck defense, Hardrick was quietly one of the more effective defenders in creating pressure. He and Joe Walker will lead the Ducks' linebacking corps in 2015.
Top 5 underclassmen inside linebackers
1. Scooby Wright III, Arizona Wildcats: He led the nation last year with 29.0 tackles for loss, which would make you wonder if he's truly an inside linebacker. But if you watch his 2014 tape, you'll see him in the middle, dropping into space, splitting out wide to cover, lining up over the tackle to rush the passer, and attacking the backfield from the inside. So yes, the position is in question to some degree, but Scooby can play.
2. Kendell Beckwith, LSU Tigers: The Tigers' leading returning tackler with Kwon Alexander now in the NFL, Beckwith is a powerful player who has great athleticism (he's a former high school QB). He jumped into the starting lineup last year and will be one of the central figures in the LSU defense in 2015.
3. Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma Sooners: He plays at a hair under 230 pounds, but has been on the field a lot for the Sooners, with 21 starts already heading into his junior season. Led the Sooners in tackles last year.
4. Salamo Fiso, Arizona State Sun Devils: A rising star for the Sun Devils, Fiso has really emerged over the last two seasons after using his redshirt year to get stronger. He arrived in Tempe at about 210 pounds but now moves really well sideline to sideline (and in coverage) at near 240.
5. Addison Gillam, Colorado Buffaloes: He really jumped out to me during his freshman season when he led the Buffs in tackles after not being a big name (at all) in recruiting. He really flies to the ball, and has gotten a lot stronger since he arrived in Boulder. One to watch.
Top 5 senior outside linebackers
1. Eric Striker, Oklahoma Sooners: He's shown plenty of change-of-direction quickness and speed when in pursuit of a running back. At maybe 225 pounds, Striker is a hybrid 'backer, who's able to rush the passer with speed (though he won't win much against top tackles), play in space and cover, and attack the run game across the field. He's an OLB here, but he's also something of an in-the-box safety.
2. Jordan Jenkins, Georgia Bulldogs: He has some quick-twitch explosiveness as a pass-rusher and is able to beat blockers wide or fake upfield and pivot inside. Can struggle and get pushed around in the run game if he loses leverage. A potential first-rounder if it all comes together, Jenkins could be in store for a big season.
3. Joshua Perry, Ohio State Buckeyes: Perry isn't a pass rusher. He projects as a weakside linebacker at the next level and will probably lead the Buckeyes in tackles again this year. He has good instincts but lacks change-of-direction quickness, though he is capable in coverage against tight ends and sound with assignments on RBs.
4. Kris Frost, Auburn Tigers: Frost has seen plenty of work in the middle, but I see him as an outside linebacker in the NFL, playing off the line but occasionally lined up on the outside shoulder of a tackle to provide an extra rusher. A known commodity since high school, he'll help the Tigers maintain one of the best sets of linebackers in the country in 2015.
5. Dadi Nicolas, Virginia Tech Hokies: At 6-4 and about 240 pounds, Nicolas is long but explosive off the edge, and he turns into a sprinter in pursuit. He has a quick first step and can convert speed to power, but could use added strength.
Top 5 underclassmen outside linebackers
1. Darron Lee, Ohio State Buckeyes: There's some projecting here (you can argue Smith was better last season), but remember: Lee started 15 games in his first year on the field (he was a redshirt freshman), finishing with 16.5 tackles for loss. He also steadily improved his reads against run and pass. When he diagnoses, he has exceptional quickness for the position. A star on the rise.
2. Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Smith is a big-time talent -- fluid, explosive, good instincts, fundamentally sound, tackles well, doesn't get lost in coverage. The superlatives add up as you go through the 2014 tape. And it wasn't just last season, as Smith has been a starter since he arrived. He could have 40 starts by the end of 2015.
3. Myles Jack, UCLA Bruins: After pulling double-duty as a freshman, Jack was (wisely) limited as a running back last year and only had 28 carries all season. His play as a linebacker benefitted, as he and Eric Kendricks were a spectacular duo. Jack is explosive in pursuit and showed impressive instincts in coverage; he keeps his eyes in the backfield without losing his man often.
4. **Carl Lawson, Auburn Tigers: Lawson missed all of last season recovering from injury, but he should be back strong in 2015. As a freshman he showed impressive pass-rushing skills after a decorated prep career as arguably the nation's top defensive end. I see him as more of a 3-4 OLB, but that's based on his current frame.
5. Leonard Floyd, Georgia Bulldogs: Floyd led the Dawgs in sacks last year with six, but I actually expected more from the wiry athlete. If he adds some bulk, his ability to convert speed to power will improve, along with his play against the run. But there's plenty of upside here.